Hi, I’m Grace Duran. I am posting this for my dad, Diego, who is currently fighting aggressive Stage 4 oral cancer. If you know me and my family, especially my dad you know this not something we would normally do but we have had some of you reach out asking how you could support him and if we have set up something like this.

My dad has always been the rock of our family. Growing up, I looked up to him as a superhero—especially Wolverine—because of his silent strength, compassion, and the way he always put others first. Some of my favorite memories are watching Marvel and DC movies together, going to softball games to watch my dad play, his assigned number being “21” after his favorite baseball player Roberto Clemente. We have so many memories filled with laughter and excitement, even when times were tough. My parents faced many big challenges as we grew up, but my siblings and I never truly knew because they filled our home with love and joy, shielding us from their worries.

Just a few weeks ago, our world changed when my dad was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the mouth, with cervical lymph node involvement. The diagnosis came after a biopsy, and since then, he has been unable to eat or talk. He’s lost a lot of weight, is fatigued and weak, and even drinking blended food is painful. He recently started a clinical trial for immunotherapy and is the 21st patient (last spot) in this trial which we immediately recognized and took as a sign of hope. He wears a shirt with this number on his infusion days.

In mid-April, he faces a 12-hour surgery to try to remove the tumors, followed by chemo and radiation. The doctors have told us, if all goes well, he may never speak clearly again, but even now, he remains positive and determined, insisting he’s not planning on going anywhere and still trying to do things for himself.

Both my parents have always been healthy, but my dad’s job didn’t offer health insurance, and they couldn’t afford other options for years. Only recently did my mom get a job with insurance, but it’s a high-deductible plan, and the medical bills are already overwhelming. My dad is a musician and a gifted woodworker, crafting beautiful pieces of furniture but has been unable to work due to his symptoms and limitations and with him unable to work and high mortgage payments, I worry about them.

My parents have never asked for help, even when they needed it, so I am asking for them now. Any help—no matter how small—would mean the world to us. And if you can, please share this so it can reach others who can help as well. We are so grateful for your support and prayers. If you’d like to send a letter to encourage my dad or mail anything directly, please message me. I’d be happy to provide an address.

He's the best father, husband and grandfather we could ever ask for and we are keeping hope alive as my dad fights this battle.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Grace